Levitating platform

ABSTRACT

A levitating platform, which is capable of stable flight, is disclosed. Levitating platform ( 100 ) comprises a platform structure ( 110 ), which includes a bottom extended surface ( 116 ) and a lip ( 114 ). An air movement device ( 120 ) is mounted on platform structure ( 110 ) to flow air ( 30 ) into plenum ( 123 ) between support surface ( 20 ), bottom extended surface ( 116 ) and lip ( 114 ). The flow of air ( 30 ) in plenum ( 123 ) creates positive and negative pressures within plenum ( 123 ). The positive and negative pressures generate attractive and repelling forces between platform structure ( 110 ) and support surface ( 20 ) causing platform structure ( 110 ) to levitate off support surface ( 20 ) in a stable, easily controllable manner.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/445,399 filed on Feb. 7, 2003.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally, to levitating platforms. Morespecifically, the present invention relates to levitating platforms thatcan be used to safely and economically transport human beings, cargo,and other payloads over all kinds of terrain The present invention canalso be used as an attractor device to non-contactingly supportwork-pieces or provide a means for maintaining non-contact spacingbetween two objects. On a miniature scale, the present invention canalso be used as a toy.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Today, many types of aircraft, such as airplanes, helicopters, “wing inground effect” (WIG) craft, gyrocopters, hovercraft, powered parachutes,etc. exist Some of these such as airplanes and helicopters are inwidespread commercial use. However, no one type of aircraft has gainedwidespread personal use compared to the widespread use of other personalvehicles such as automobiles, motorcycles, snowmobiles, or personalwatercraft. Well-known reasons such as high costs, extensive trainingrequirements, limited accessibility, operating space requirements, andperceived safety risk account for the lack of widespread personal use ofsuch aircraft.

Currently, the most commonly used vertical take-off or landing (VTOL)aircraft are helicopters and hovercrafts. However, these aircraf alsohave a number of well-known disadvantages, which have prevented theirwidespread use as a personal use aircraft.

As evidenced by the many prior-art patents on the subject, there hasbeen a great deal of effort to develop a safe, inherently stable,compact, economical, easily portable, easily storable, easy-tuse,low-altitude flight-capable VTOL human/cargo transporter. For example,U.S. Pat. No. 2,953,321 to Robertson et al. describes unique flyingcraft that was developed by the Hiller Helicopter Corporation in the1950's, and became known as the Hiller Flying Platform. The Hillerflying Platform had limited technical success and was nevercommercialized.

Several other concepts exist for personal flying machines and/orunmanned aerial vehicles (that might be adapted for carrying people),which could be classed as “flying platform” craft. As described, thesecraft were supposedly capable of vertical takeoff and landing and freeflight. Some of these concepts are described in the following USpatents: U.S. Pat. No. 4,0043,421 “Air Car”; U.S. Pat. No. 4,47,024“Airborne Vehicle”; U.S. Pat. No. 4,537,372 “VTOL Aircraft”; U.S. Pat.No. 5,026,002 “Helihover Amphibious Aircraft”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,152 478“Unmanned Flight Vehicle etc.”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,178,344 “VTOL Aircraft”;U.S.Pat. No. 5,738,302 “Airborne Vehicle”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,803,199 “LiftAugmented Ground Effect Platform”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,082,478 “LiftAugmented Ground Effect Platform”; “Personal Air Transport”;; U.S. Pat.No. 6,464,459 “Lifting Platform With Energy Recover”. None of thesecraft concepts have been successful commercially, particularly inregards to being applied to a personal use aircraft.

To develop the invention claimed herein, the applicant has carried outextensive scale model testing of the inventive concepts described insome of the above-listed patents. However, the applicant was unable toexperimentally substantiate the operating performance claimed in thesepatents because of fundamental flaws in the designs or underlyingtheories of the competing inventive concepts.

There is therefore a need for a personal aircraft which is capable oftaking off and landing almost anywhere, is easy to fly, requires onlyminimal training to be operated safely, can be operated over anyterrain, is inherently stable, is inherently safe, is easy to store andtransport, is perceived by the general population to be safe, and isaffordable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a levitating platform isdisclosed which comprises a flow means for the passage of a fluid into aplatform structure, which is arranged around the flow means. The fluidcould be air, water or any other suitable fluid, which followsBernoulli's principles. The flow means could be a flow conduit or afluid pump such as a blower or a propeller fan or a turbine. Theplatform structure has an extended flow surface past which the fluid canflow during operation of the levitating platform. The extended flowsurface can have any suitable contour such as flat, curved, geometric,or complex A protuberance boundary is arranged around the extendedsurface to deflect the flow of the fluid as it flows past the extendedsure. During operation, the levitating platform is placed on asupporting surface so that a generally enclosed plenum is formed betweenthe extended surface, the protuberance boundary, and the opposingsurface. When the fluid is flowed into the plenum, it creates positiveand negative pressure within the plenum. The positive pressure producesa repelling force between the levitating platform and the opposingsurface causing the levitating platform to move away from the opposingsurface. The negative pressure produces an attracting force between thelevitating platform and the opposing surface causing the levitatingplatform to move towards the opposing surface. At any particular flow ofthe fluid, an equilibrium point is reached at which the attractingforces, the repelling forces, and external forces such as gravity arebalanced. At the equilibrium point, the levitating platform is held in astable manner at a constant distance away from the opposing surface.

In one aspect of the present invention, the opposing surface is fixedand the platform structure is allowed to move relative to the opposingsurface. An application of this aspect of the present invention relatesto a flying platform for transporting humans, cargo, and other payloadsover terrestrial surfaces or for use as a toy.

In one aspect of the present invention, the platform structure has ageometric plan-form such as a circle, an oval, or a regular/irregularpolygon. In another aspect of the present invention, the platformstructure has a non-geometric plan-form.

In another aspect of the present invention, the flow means comprises afluid flow port In another aspect of the present invention, the flowmeans comprises a fluid flow conduit, which is connected at its firstend to the fluid flow port and at its second end to a source of fluid.In another aspect of the present invention, the source of fluidcomprises a fluid-pump. In another aspect of the present invention, thefluid-pump comprises an air-fan. In another aspect of the presentinvention, the air-fan comprises propeller blades. In another aspect ofthe present invention, the air-fan comprises a blower impeller. Inanother aspect of the present invention, the air fan comprises a ductedair fan.

In another aspect of the present invention, the ratio of the area of theextended surface to the area of the fluid flow port is greater than 0.01and less than 1000.

In another aspect of the present invention, the protuberance comprises arigid material of construction. In another aspect of the presentinvention, the protuberance comprises a semi-rigid material ofconstruction. In another aspect of the present invention, theprotuberance comprises a lip. In another aspect of the presentinvention, the protuberance comprises a lift-enhancing element. Inanother aspect of the present invention, the protuberance comprises anairfoil element. In another aspect of the present invention, theprotuberance comprises a ribbon. In another aspect of the presentinvention, the protuberance comprises a flexible skirt

In another aspect of the present invention, the levitating platform isused as an attractor to non-contactingly hold a work-piece at a fixeddistance away from the levitating platform. In this application, thelevitating platform is held fixed by any suitable conventionalattachment means and the work-piece is allowed to move relative to thelevitating platform When the fluid is passed into the plenum defined bythe extended surface, the protuberance boundary, and the opposingsurface of the work-piece, positive and negative pressure are createdwithin the plenum. The positive pressure produces a repelling forcebetween the levitating platform and the opposing surface causing thework-piece to move away from the opposing surface. The negative pressureproduces an attracting force between the levitating platform and theopposing surface causing the work-piece to move towards the opposingsurface. At any particular flow of the fluid, an equilibrium point isreached at which the attracting forces, the repelling forces, andexternal forces such as gravity are balanced. At the equilibrium point,the work-piece is held in a stable manner at a constant distance awayfrom the levitating platform.

In another aspect of the present invention which is used as anattractor, the flow means comprises a fluid flow port and a fluid flowconduit connected at its first end to the fluid flow port and at itssecond end to a source of fluid.

Yet another aspect of the present invention discloses a method for thegeneration of attracting and repelling forces between a levitatingplatform and an opposing surface. In this aspect of the presentinvention, the levitating platform comprises a flow means for thepassage of a fluid into a platform structure which is arranged aroundthe flow means. The fluid could be air, water or any other suitablefluid, which follows Bernoulli's principles. The flow means could be aflow conduit or a fluid pump such as a blower or a propeller fan or aturbine. The platform structure has an extended flow surface past whichthe fluid can flow during operation of the levitating platform. Theextended flow surface can have any suitable contour such as flat,curved, geometric, or complex. A protuberance boundary is arrangedaround the extended surface to deflect the flow of the fluid as it flowspast the extended surface. The method includes the first step of placingthe levitating platform on a supporting surface so that a generallyenclosed plenum is formed between the extended surface, the protuberanceboundary, and the opposing surface. The method also includes the secondstep of flowing the fluid into the plenum so that positive and negativepressure is created within the plenum. The positive pressure produces arepelling force between the levitating platform and the opposing surfacecausing the levitating platform to move away from the opposing surface.The negative pressure produces an attracting force between thelevitating platform and the opposing surface causing the levitatingplatform to move towards the opposing surface. At any particular flow ofthe fluid, an equilibrium point is reached at which the attractingforces, the repelling forces, and external forces such as gravity arebalanced. At the equilibrium point, the levitating platform is held in astable manner at a constant distance away from the opposing surface.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentinvention will be better understood with reference to the followingdescription and drawings wherein like parts have been given likereference numbers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 represents an isometric general representation of a levitatingplatform according to the present invention FIG. 2A represents a firstequilibrium position of the levitating platform of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2B is a graphical representation of the attractive and repulsiveforces generated by the fluid flow in the first-equilibrium position ofthe levitating platform shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A represents the levitating platform of FIG. 2, which is in atemporary tilted operating position because of an external influence.

FIG. 3B is a graphical representation of the attractive and repulsiveforces generated by the fluid flow in the tilted operating position ofthe levitating platform shown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A represents the levitating platform of FIG. 1, in a secondequilibrium position.

FIG. 4B is a graphical representation of the attractive and repulsiveforces generated by the fluid flow in the final levitating position ofthe levitating platform shown in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5 is a graphical representation of the relationship between enginepower consumption and levitating height as a function of the ratio ofthe extended area surface A2 to the flow area A1 of the fan inlevitating platforms of the present invention.

FIGS. 6A represents an isometric arrangement of a human transportinglevitating platform prototype.

FIGS. 6B, 6C, and 6D represent the plan-view, the longitudinalcross-sectional view, and the transverse cross-sectional view of thehuman transporting levitating platform prototype of FIG. 6A.

FIGS. 7A and 7B represent the transverse cross-sectional views ofalternate configurations of the human transporting levitating platformprototype of FIG. 6A.

FIGS. 8A to 8E represent alternate configurations of the humantransporting levitating platform prototype of FIG. 6A.

FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C represent alternate multi-fan configurations of thehuman transporting levitating platform prototype of FIG. 6A.

FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C represent the levitating platform of the presentinvention in its alternate application as an Attractor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As defined herein, a “Levitating Platform” is a device, which operateson the basis of “Levitational Fluid Dynamics” principles. Levitationalfluid dynamics principles relate to the ability of a fluid to createattractive and repelling forces between two objects. Using levitationalfluid dynamics principles, the levitating platform can be made tooperate in a Levitating mode wherein the repelling forces dominate toenable a freely moving levitating platform to move relative to a fixedopposing surface. Alternately, the levitating platform can be made tooperate in an Attractor mode wherein the attractive forces dominate toenable a finely moving work-piece to move relative to a fixed levitatingplatform

The inventive concepts described herein have been validated by extensivemodel testing in the laboratory and out-door testing of a full-sizeprototype of a human transporting levitating platform. The levitationalfluid dynamics of the present invention will be first described followedby a description of the bench-scale models and a full-sized prototype ofa levitating platform that were built and tested by the applicant.

Through extensive cogitation and model-testing, the applicant hasdiscovered novel principles of levitational fluid dynamics, which areexplained with reference to FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A, and 4B.

Refer now to FIGS. 1 and 2A which show a general representation of thelevitating platform of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows a generalisometric representation of a levitating platform 10 which is configuredas a disc 12 having a diameter D2 and a concentric flow port 14 ofdiameter D1. Levitating platform 10 can be made of any suitableconstruction material such as plastic, wood, metal, etc. Disc 12 has anupper surface 12 a and a lower surface 12 b. A lip 16 having a loweredge 16 b is provided along the periphery of disc 12. A flow means suchas a propeller fan 18 having blades 18 b is located within concentricflow port 14 to blow air downwardly through disc 12.

FIG. 2A shows a longitudinal cross-sectional representation oflevitating platform 10 of FIG. 1. In this figure, levitating platform 10is shown floating, in a, first equilibrium position above flatsupporting surface 20. Disc 12, lip 16, and supporting surface 20cooperate to create a generally closed plenum 23 into which air 30 canbe blown by propeller fan 18. Air 30 is represented in FIG. 2A by dashedlines which represent the streamlines of air 30 as it enters throughflow port 14, flows through plenum 23, and exits through gap 40 betweenlower edge 16 b of lip 16 and supporting surface 20.

For the sake of simplicity, levitating platform 10 has been shown as acircular plan-form shape in FIG. 1A. However, levitating platform 10could be configured with any other plan-form shape such as oval orrectangular, or square, or hexagonal, or any other regular or irregulargeometric or non-geometric plan-form shape without departing from thespirit of the invention. Further, lip 16 can be any closed peripheralprotuberance, which impedes the flow of air horizontally over lowersurface 12 b of disc 12. Such a protuberance could be any shape, such asa ridge, a ribbon, a bump, etc. Alternately, the protuberance could alsobe any suitable aerodynamic shape, such as an airfoil to enhance thelift in the peripheral region of disc 12. It is not necessary that theprotuberance be located at the periphery of disc 12 as shown in FIGS. 1and 2A. The protuberance can be located anywhere between the peripheryof port 14 and the outer periphery of disc 12.

Also any suitable air-moving device, instead of a propeller fan, can beused as the flow means in levitating platform 10, without deviating fromthe results discussed hereunder. It is not necessary that the air-movingdevice be attached to disc 12 as shown in FIG. 1A. The air-moving devicecan be located remotely and the air could be communicated to concentricopening 14 by a suitable conduit Levitating platform 10 can also beoperated on any fluid, which follows Bernoulli's principle, besides airas described with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2A.

The area of lower surface 12 b which is between the circumference ofport 14 and the inner circumference of lip 16 is referred to as an“extended surface” in this description and clams. While this extendedsurface is shown as flat in FIGS. 1A and 1B, it could have any contoursuch as flat, curved, geometric, or complex.

Refer now to FIG. 2A, which shows levitating platform 10 in an firstequilibrium position. It should be noted that the exact fluid dynamics,which result in the levitation of the levitating platform have not befully determined. Therefore, the following description of thelevitational fluid dynamics of the levitating-platform is quitehypothetical and could change with further empirical analysis.

FIG. 2A shows the equilibrium position of levitating platform 10 when asmall volume of air 30 is blown into plenum 23 by propeller fan 18. Asshown in FIG. 2A, air 30, represented by the dashed streamlines, flowsthrough plenum 23. However, lip 30 creates a resistance to the flow ofair 30 within plenum 23, which results in a build up of static pressureunder the levitating platform. Lip 30 also causes the flow of air 30 toaccelerate in the horizontal plane. Bernoulli's principle indicates thatthe increase in velocity will result in a reduction in pressure, whichcreates an attractive force between disc 12 and supporting surface 20.It should be noted that lip 16 is important for achieving levitation.Without lip 16, the horizontal velocity is high across all of theextended surface and the attractive forces are very high. Therefore,without lip 16, the equilibrium height of the disc 12 from supportsurface 20 is very low. However, in a levitating platform application,it is desired that the equilibrium height of disc 12 from supportsurface 20 be high. Lip 16 produces a static lift which creates arepulsive force which somewhat negates the attractive forces andincreases the equilibrium height of disc 12 from support surface 20.

The presence of these attractive and repulsive forces has beendemonstrated to provide greater stability to levitating platform 10 ofthe present art compared to lifting platforms of the prior art. Forexample, FIG. 3A shows levitating platform 10 when it is tilted to anon-equilibrium position by an external force such as a gust of wind. Asshown in FIG. 3A, the tilting of levitating platform results in a smallgap 40 a and a large gap 40 b on diametrically opposite sides of disc12. The presence of large gap 40 b reduces the resistance to the flow ofair 30 on the high side of disc 12. This reduction of resistance resultsin an increase in the horizontal velocity of air 30 towards larger gap40 b compared to the horizontal velocity of air 30 towards smaller gap40 a. The higher horizontal velocity of the high side creates a lowerpressure within plenum 23 in the region adjacent to larger gap 40 b.This lower pressure in turn creates a restoring moment which bringslevitating platform 10 back to the first equilibrium position as shownin FIG. 2A. FIG. 3B graphically represents the force distribution inplenum 23 during the tilted position of levitating platform 10 shown inFIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A shows levitating platform 10 when a larger gap 40 c is createdbetween lower edge 16 b of lip 16 and supporting surface 20. Thepresence of larger gap 40 c reduces the static pressure within plenum23. With larger gap 40 c, the net force which attracts disc 12 towardsthe working surface increases relative to the repulsive forces whichrepel disc 12 away from the working surface 20. FIG. 4B graphicallyrepresents the force distribution in plenum 23 when levitating platform10 is in the elevated position of FIG. 4A. The balance of the attractiveand repulsive forces maintains levitating platform 10 in a more stableelevated operating position when compared to the elevated operatingpositions of lifting platforms of the prior art.

This above theory has been supported by testing of scale models and afull-size prototype of the levitating platform of the present invention.These scale models and full-size prototype have demonstrated muchgreater pitch, roll, and elevation stability than were demonstrated inlifting platforms of the prior art.

Applicant has empirically verified the presence of the attractive andrepulsive forces described above in FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A and 4B.Attached Tables 1A to 1C show the results of the verificationexperiments carried out by the applicant.

The scale models used for these tests were similar to levitatingplatform 10 described above in FIG. 1. Disc 12 was constructed ofstyrofoam. In the tests shown in Table 1A, air movement device 18 was aZinger 14×4 wooden 2-bladed propeller fan which was modified to a 260 mm(10.25 inch) diameter. In the tests shown in Table 1B, air movementdevice 18 was a 63.5 mm (2.5 inch) propeller fan. In the tests shown inTable 1C, air movement device 18 was two sets of counter-rotating Zinger14×4 wooden 2-bladed propellers. The propellers in all of the three setsof tests were driven by electric motors whose power consumption wasmeasured using a voltage meter. FIG. 5 shows the general representationof the relationship between engine power consumption and levitatingheight as a function of the ratio of the extended area surface A2 to theflow area A1 of the fan.

Based upon these tests, the applicant has demonstrated that thelevitating platform of the present invention has more stable levitatingperformance than the lifting platforms of the prior art.

The following is a brief description of the constructional details of aprototype of a full-scale levitating platform that was built by andtested by the applicant in 2003. The levitating platform is intended foruse as a human transporter but it could also be use for transportingcargo and other payloads. A miniature version of this prototype couldalso be used as toy.

FIG. 6A shows an isometric representation of the prototype. FIGS. 6B, 6Cand 6D show a plan-view representation, a longitudinal cross-sectionalrepresentation, and a transverse cross-sectional representationrespectively of the prototype. The general configuration and operationof the prototype is similar to the configuration of the small-scalemodels described in FIGS. 1, 2A, 3A, and 4A. However, as will bedescribed below, the prototype was adapted for human operation andtransportation.

Referring to FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, and 6D, human transporting levitatingplatform prototype (HTLPP) 100 comprises at least a platform structure(PS) 110 and an air-movement device 120. Human transporting levitatingplatform prototype 100 also includes a rider support system 130 and asteering mechanism 140 even though these elements are not essential tothe operation of human transporting levitating platform prototype 100.

Platform structure 110 is configured as a wedge-shaped body 112 whoseoverall dimensions are 2.13 meters (7 feet) wide by 3.5 meters (11.5feet) long by 0.6meters (2 feet) thick. Body 112 was contoured toprovide a race-car like aerodynamic profile 115 at the top and a flatsurface 116 at its bottom. A monocoque construction using fiberglassover polyurethane foam was used in the fabrication of body 112. Thisparticular wedge-shape was selected to provide an aerodynamic profile tomonocoque body 112. However, it will be obvious that other aerodynamicprofiles would be used for monocoque body 112 without deviating from thespirit of the invention.

As shown in FIGS. 6A, 6C, and 6D, a lip 114 is attached to the lowersurface 116 of monocoque body 112. Lip 114 is constructed ofnylon-reinforced urethane fabric and is attached to flat surface 116 byfasteners or some other suitable attaching means with a tight fit to thebody to form a good seal. As previously described, lip 114, and lowersurface 116 of monocoque body 112 cooperate with support surface 20 toprovide air-plenum 123.

An air-flow port (AFP) 118 is provided in monocoque body 112 to containthe air movement device 120. Air-flow port 118 is configured similar toa doughnut hole whose plan-view diameter is coincident with the majoraxis of monocoque body 112. As will be described later, a set ofpropeller blades is located in air-flow port 118 to force air intoplenum 123 during operation of human transporting levitating platformprototype 100.

To provide optimal performance of the propeller blades, air-flow port118 is configured similar to the scroll of a ducted propeller fan.Therefore, air-flow port 118 is configured with a bell-mouthed inlet 118i, a straight cylindrical side 118 c, and a bell-mouthed exit 118 e. Foroptimal performance, the internal diameter “Dc” of cylindrical side 118c is selected to provide close clearance between the outermost tips ofthe propeller blades and internal sides of cylindrical side 118 c.Generally, a clearance of about 4 to 6 mm is contemplated to provideoptimal performance of the propeller blades. Air-flow port 118 isreinforced with structural members (not shown) and a suitable lining offiberglass or such other lightweight, high-strength material (not shown)as is typical in aircraft construction. To reduce damage due toentrained dust and other solid particles in the air, the lining can befurther coated with a protective coating (not shown) of a hard compositematerial such as Kevlar. Alternately, the protective coating could be ametallic film. Such constructional techniques are well known in the art.

Air movement device 120 is mounted on monocoque body 112. Air movementdevice 120 comprises a fan arrangement 122, which is connected by a geararrangement 124 to an internal-combustion engine 126.

Fan arrangement 122 comprises a first 5-bladed fan 122 a and a second5-bladed fan 122 b. Each blade of fans 122 a and 122 b is 1,829 mm (72inches) in diameter. Further, each fan blade 122 a 1 to 122 a 5 of fan122 a is independently adjustable in pitch Simlarly, each fan blade 122b 1 to 122 b 5 of fan 122 b is also independently adjustable in pitch.Fan blades 122 a 1 to 122 a 5 are mounted on hub 122 c and fan blades122 b 1 to 122 b 5 are mounted on hub 122 d. Fan blades 122 a 1 to 122 a5 and 122 b 1 to 122 b 5 and hubs 122 c and 122 c were procured fromWarp Drive Products Inc., U.S.A. The hubs are made of aluminum and thepropeller fan blades are made of carbon-fiber composite. However othermaterials of construction such as wood, aluminum, or fiberglass couldalso be used for the hubs and the propeller blades. Further, as iscommon in the art, the leading edge of the propellers can be coated withan abrasion resistant material such as Kevlar to reduce damage to thepropellers from entrained dust in the air.

Hubs 122 c and 122 d are attached to the first ends 128 a 1 and 128 b 1of counter-rotating concentric shafts 128 a and 128 b respectively. Asshown in FIG. 2 c, shaft 128 b is configured as a hollow steel pipewhile shaft 128 a is configured as a solid steel rod, which is guidedthrough shaft 128 b to provide concentric operation. As will bedescribed below, concentric shafts 128 a and 128 b are connected to thetorque output side of gear arrangement 124. Thus fans 122 a and 122 brotate in opposite directions. Two counter-rotating fans were used inhuman transporting levitating platform prototype 100 because the priorart indicated that it would provide greater operating stability to thecraft. However, subsequent scale-model tests have indicated that asingle fan arrangement could provide an adequately stable operation. Itis therefore contemplated that a simpler single-fan arrangement may beused in commercial versions of the lifting platform of the presentinvention instead of the 2-fan arrangement described above.

As shown in FIG. 6B, gear arrangement 124 comprises three steel bevelgears 124 b, 124 c, and 124 d, which are mounted in casing 124 a. Firstbevel gear 124 b is attached to the output shaft 126 b of internalcombustion engine 126. Second bevel gear 124 d has a concentric bore forthe through, non-contacting passage of shaft 128 a. Second bevel gear124 c and third bevel gear 124 d are rotatingly coupled to first bevelgear 124 b such that second bevel gear 124 c counter-rotates relative tothird bevel gear 124 d. As shown in FIG. 6B, second bevel gear 124 c isattached to second end 128 a 2 of shaft 128 a. Similarly, third bevelgear 124 d is attached to the second end 128 b 2 of shaft 128 b. Thus,when first bevel gear 124 b is rotating in a clockwise direction, itrotates second bevel gear 124 c also in a clockwise direction andfurther rotates third bevel gear 124 d in a counter-clockwise direction.Thereby, shafts 128 a and 128 b, and consequently fans 122 a and 122 b,also rotate in clockwise and counter-clockwise directions respectively.As will be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, suitablelubrication systems (not shown) can be incorporated in gear arrangement124 to reduce friction-induced damage to the gears.

Internal combustion engine 126 is a 600 CC fuel injected motorcycleengine from a 1991 Honda F4 motorcycle. The maximum horsepower isestimated to be approximately 115 HP at the crankshaft The estimatedpower to the propellers after going through the motorcycle transmissionand the custom built gear box is approximately 90 HP. Internalcombustion engine 126 is mounted on structural support members (notshown) on monocoque body 112. The torque output shaft 126 b of internalcombustion engine 126 is connected to bevel gear 124 b of geararrangement 124.

Rider support system (RSS) 130 comprises a saddle 130 a, which isattached to levitating platform 112 by connecting structure 130 b. Ridersupport system 130 also comprised handlebars 130 h for further supportof the rider who maneuvers the craft by shifting his weight in thedesired direction of movement. Alternately, handlebars 130 h could alsobe attached to steering mechanism 140 for craft maneuverability.Alternatively, rider support system 130 could comprise a platformwherein the rider can stand while being transported. Yet further, ridersupport system 130 could comprise a chair or any other reclining devicefor tile support of the rider in a comfortable reclining position.

Steering mechanism 140 comprises paddles such as those described in theaforementioned patent to Robertson et. al. The design and constructionof such steering mechanisms is well known in the art. Alternately, thecraft can be yaw controlled by changing the pitch of the propellerblades in fans 122 a and 122 b to provide a differential torque. Humantransporting levitating platform prototype 100 was tested in aCalifornia dry-lake bed near Edwards Air Force base by the applicant in2003 and was found to have excellent stability, maneuverability, andaltitude characteristics compared to lifting platforms of the prior art.As built and tested, human transporting levitating platform prototype100 had the following statistics: Length 3.5 meters (11.5 feet); Width2.13 meters (7 feet); Weight 327.3 kgs. (720 lbs) with fuel butexcluding pilot; Pilot weight 82 kgs (180 lbs); Duct Area 2.65 sq.meters (28.5 sq. ft.); and maximum lower surface area 4.09 sq. meters(44 sq. ft.) which excludes duct area.

Applicant tested three variations of the configuration of humantransporting levitating platform prototype 100. These variations andtests are described below:

-   -   Test 1: In this test, lip 114 was attached to the lower        outermost perimeter of monocoque body 112 to provide        approximately 4.09 sq. meters (44 sq. ft) squarish oval shape of        lifting surface under monocoque body 112.    -   In Test 1, human transporting levitating platform prototype 100        levitated at about 102 to 127 mm (4 to 5 inches) from the ground        when measured from the bottom edge 114 b of lip 114. At this        operating altitude, human transporting levitating platform        prototype 100 was very, very stable. The rider's weight shift        actions had a small effect on tilting the craft The levitating        height did not increase noticeably with increased power. This        variation of human transporting levitating platform prototype        100 took the least power to become airborne.    -   Test 2: In this test, lip 114 was moved inwards from the        perimeter of monocoque body 112 to provide approximately 2.05        sq. meters (22 sq. ft.) approximately elliptically shaped        lifting surface, which was slightly offset towards back of        craft, under monocoque body 112. Thus, air-plenum 123 under        monocoque body 112 was slightly offset towards its back end.    -   In Test 2, human transporting levitating platform prototype 100        levitated at about 152 mm (6 inches) from the ground when        measured from the bottom edge 114 b of lip 114. It was still        quite stable but responded better to rider's weight shift        actions than the variation in Test 1, which had a moderate        effect on tilting the craft. The levitating height did increase        a little with increased power. This variation took more power to        become airborne compared to the variation of Test 1. The offset        of air-plenum 23 gave human transporting levitating platform        prototype 100 a bias for forward flight. When powered up, the        human transporting levitating platform prototype 100 would tilt        forward and accelerate forward modestly.    -   Test 3: In this test, lip 114 was attached further inwards from        the perimeter of monocoque body 112 to provide an approximately        elliptically shaped lifting surface of about 1.31 sq. meters (13        sq. f), which was very slightly offset towards the back-end of        monocoque body 112. Thus air-plenum 123 under monocoque body 112        was very slightly offset towards the back end of monocoque body        112.    -   In Test 3, human transporting levitating platform prototype 100        levitated at about 203 mm (8 inches) from the ground when        measured from bottom edge 114 b of lip 114. At this altitude,        human transporting levitating platform prototype 100 was still        stable. The rider's weight shift actions were fairly effective        for tilting the craft. The levitating height did increase        noticeably with increased power. This variation took the most        power to become airborne. The slight offset provided a forward        tilt bias as expected.

The tests of human transporting levitating platform prototype 100indicate that the flight characteristics of the full size craft are verysimilar to the flight characteristics of the scale-models describedpreviously. It is therefore contemplated that the performance of thescale-model is a good qualitative predictor for the performance of thefull size craft.

It will be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art that humantransporting levitating platform prototype 100, described above, is onlyone example of the various possible configurations that could be usedfor the levitating platform of the present invention without departingfrom the spirit of the invention. For example, as shown in FIG. 7A,monocoque body 112 could be hollowed around air-flow port 118 to reduceweight. In such a configuration, a light-weight structural frame (notshown) of aluminum, fiberglass or other such light-weight high-strengthstructural members could be used for rigidity. The body of the craftcould be a lightweight plastic or fiberglass membrane, which is attachedto the frame. Yet further, as shown in FIG. 7B, the body of the craftaround air-flow port 118 could be a gas-inflatable bladder 119 of asuitable elastic fabric. Besides reducing weight, such constructionwould also allow for amphibious operation of the craft and reducestorage space requirements. Amphibious construction is well known in theart. Yet other modifications could be made to the above-describedconfiguration of the levitating platform without departing from thespirit of the invention. For example, as shown in FIG. 7A, lip 114 couldbe molded as an integral part of monocoque body 112. To increase lift,lip 114 could be molded with a downwardly facing curved surface 114 a.Yet further as shown in FIG. 7A, the basic levitating platformconfiguration can be modified with the addition of a peripheralflap/louver/tuning vane 114 f. The purpose of flap 114 f is to increasethe lift of the fluid flow at the boundary and hence provide morelifting force for a given level of power. It will be quite obvious thatmore than one set of flaps may be used in a “stacked” configuration tofurther enhance lift. The flap can be a simple curved plane in crosssection or may have an airfoil type cross-section as shown in FIG. 7A.Yet further, other air movement devices such as blowers and gas-turbinescould also be used in the levitating platform of the present inventionwithout deviating from the spirit of the invention. Yet further,multiple air blowing ducts could be used to increase the payloadhandling capacity of the craft.

While an internal combustion engine has been shown as the drivingmechanism for the fans, other means of rotating the fans could also bepracticed. For example, electric motors could also be used to rotate thefans. The electric motors could be driven by on-board batteries orfuel-cell systems. Alternately, turbine engines could also be used torotate the fans. Such methods of rotating the fans are well-known in theart.

Further various other configurations of the levitating platform of thepresent invention can be practiced as represented in FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C,and 8D. FIG. 8A shows a configuration of the levitating platform of thepresent invention wherein the rider sits on a saddle 132 during itsoperation. FIG. 8B shows another configuration of the levitatingplatform of the present invention wherein the rider reclines in a chair134 during its operation. FIG. 8C shows a configuration of thelevitating platform of the present invention wherein the rider sitsinside an enclosed, aerodynamically optimized canopy 136. The levitatingplatform of FIG. 8C is further fitted with a conventional rudder 138 tofacilitate the its steering FIG. 8D shows another configuration of thelevitating platform of the present invention wherein the rider stands ona platform 146, which has railings 148 for additional support of therider. FIG. 8E shows yet another configuration of the levitatingplatform of the present invention, which has a payload area 142. Otheruses and configurations of the levitating platform of the presentinvention will be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art.

It will also be quite obvious from the above description that multipleair-movement devices could be used in the levitating platform of thepresent invention. FIGS. 9A and 9B show levitating platforms of thepresent invention, which are configured with two air-movement devices120. Yet further, FIG. 9C shows a levitating platform, of the presentinvention, which is configured with four air-movement devices 120.Auxiliary thrusting devices could be added to provide control means orto propel the platform Miniature versions of the configurations of thelevitating platform shown in FIGS. 8A-8E and 9A-9C can be used as toyswith or without remote control capabilities.

The above description of the levitating platform of the presentinvention focuses on the levitational capabilities of a free floatinglevitating platform from a fixed support surface for use as a humanand/or cargo transporter. However, the levitating platform of thepresent invention can also be used as an attractor to non-contactinglysupport work-pieces. In this mode of operation, the levitating platformof the present invention is held fixed while the support surface isallowed to move relative to the levitating platform

As an example. FIGS. 10A and 10B show a levitating platform, accordingto the present invention, which is used as attractor 10′ tonon-contactingly support work-pieces such as steel coils or computerchip wafers or a compact disc or similar object.

Attractor 10′ is similar in construction and operation to levitatingplatform 10 as shown in FIG. 1. Attractor 10′ also comprises disc 12 andlip 16. However, as shown in FIG. 10B, disc 12 of attractor 10′ is heldstationary by any conventional attachment means 13 to prevent itsmovement. As shown in FIG. 10B, work-piece 20 w is allowed to moverelative to attractor 10′. Work-piece 20 w is non-contactingly held inan equilibrium floating position with a gap 40 between its surface 20 sand edge 16 b of lip 16 by the negative pressure created in plenum 23(as described with respect to FIG. 2A) by the flow of a fluid therein.Work-piece 20 w could be a steel sheet coil in a coil coating line or acomputer chip wafer.

In the attractor embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 10Aand 10B, a fluid 30 is supplied to plenum 23 through opening 19 b of afluid supply conduit 19. However, a fluid movement device, such as airmovement device 18 as shown for FIGS. 1, can also be used to providefluid 30 to attractor 10′. Fluid 30 could air, water, or any othersuitable fluid which follows Bernoulli's principle.

As described previously for the embodiment of the present inventionshown in FIG. 1, attractor 10′ will posses both repelling and attractingcapabilities. As attractor 10′ is moved towards the opposing surface ofwork-piece 20 w, the net fluid dynamic equilibrium results in increasingrepelling forces. As attractor 10′ is moved away from the opposingsurface of work-piece 20 w, the net fluid dynamic equilibrium results inincreasing attracting forces until the maximum attractive force isreached. As gap 40 between edge 16 b of attractor 10′ and surface 20 sof work-piece 20 w is further increased, the attractive forces diminish.

In another aspect of the attractor of the present invention, fluidconduit 19′ and work-piece 20 w are held fixed by conventionalattachment means 13 and disc 12 is allowed to move relative to fluidconduit 19′ and work-piece 20 w. Fluid conduit 19′ is shaped similar toa nozzle with a tapered outlet section 19 t. Air 30 is flowed throughinlet end 19 i of fluid conduit 19′ and exits through outlet end 19 e oftapered outlet section 19 t. The velocity of air 30 at outlet 19 e ishigher than at inlet 19 i since the area of outlet 19 e is less than thearea of inlet 19 i. The diameter of outlet 10 e is selected to besomewhat less than the diameter of flow opening 14 in disc 12. Further,outlet 19 e is positioned with a gap 19 g from flow opening 14 in disc12. Air 30 exits outlet opening 19 e and enters plenum 23. The flow ofair 30 in plenum 23 creates positive and negative forces within plenum23. However, since work-piece 20 w and fluid conduit 19′ are heldstationary by attachment means 13, disc 12 moves relative to work-piece20 w and fluid conduit 19′ until it reaches an equilibrium floatingposition between work-piece 20 w and fluid conduit 19′.

The applicant has been able to empirically demonstrate that each of theabove configurations of the levitating platform of the presentinvention, which he tested as described in the preceding section of thisdescription, possessed both repelling and attracting capabilities. Theattractive capabilities were enhanced as the extended surface plan-formarea is increased relative to the fluid inlet plan- form area and/or asthe lip depth was decreased.

While the foregoing describes the use of one attractor of the presentinvention, it will be obvious that more than one attractor can be usedto precisely position the work-piece in space. For example, oneattractor can be positioned above the work-piece and the secondattractor can be positioned below the work- piece. By varying the fluidflow-rate in each attractor, the attracting and repelling forces can beprecisely controlled to move the work-piece to the desired equilibriumposition in between the two attractors. Yet other numbers andarrangements of multiple attractors will be obvious to one of ordinaryskill in the art.

It is contemplated that practical applications of the present inventionwill exist whereby both attractive and repelling capabilities will beuseful. Besides, the examples given above, another example of the use ofattractor 10′ of the present invention would be to provide non-contacttraversing and surveying of an underwater vessel, such as a ship's hullor an off-shore drilling rig's submerged superstructure, at very closeproximity. Yet another example of the use of attractor 10′ would be as awall-walking or ceiling-walking carriage for a robotic tool to carry outrepairs in hard to access places in buildings. A further example of theuse of attractor 10′ would be as a wall-walking or ceiling-walking toy.

While the present invention has been described with reference to one ormore preferred embodiments, which embodiments have been set forth inconsiderable detail for the purposes of making a complete disclosure ofthe invention, such embodiments are merely exemplary and are notintended to be limiting or represent an exhaustive enumeration of allaspects of the invention. Further, it will be apparent to those of skillin the art that numerous changes may be made in such details withoutdeparting from the spirit and the principles of the invention. The scopeof the invention, therefore, should be defined solely by the followingclaims. TABLE 1A GREEN SERIES TESTS Number of Fans:   1 Fan Diameter:26.67 cm 10.5 inches Lip Height: 12.7  0.5 inch Extended Fan SurfaceDiameter Diameter Weight (cm)/ (cm)/ of Test Initial Maximum Duct(Extended Ratio of Levitating Lift-Off Lift-Off Test Area A1 Area A2)Areas Platform Voltage Height No. (sq. cm.) (sq. cm.) A2/A1 (gms) (V)(mm) Observations 1 26.7 26.7 525 5 76 Unstable 559 0 — Operation 2 26.726.7 509 5.5 102 Unstable 559 0 — Operation 3 26.7 56.5 648 2 22Extremely stable 559 1950 3.49 in pitch, roll and elevation 4 26.7 44.7610 2.5 22 Extremely stable 559 1011 1.81 in pitch, roll and elevation 526.7 34.7 565 4 25 Extremely stable 559 386 0.69 in pitch, roll andelevation 6 26.7 32 546 4.5 27 Extremely stable 559 226 0.40 in pitch,roll and elevation 7 26.7 30 541 5 38 Extremely stable 559 131 0.24 inpitch, roll and elevationNotes:Test 1: Model based on U.S. Pat. No. 6,464,459 FIGS. 100 and 201 using 6inch diameter central disc and 4 stator blades to create toroidal flowas suggested by patent.Test 2: Ducted fan model based on U.S. Pat. No. 6,464,459 FIGS. 800bwithout central disc.

TABLE 1B BLUE SERIES TESTS Number of Fans:  1 Fan Diameter: 6.35 cm 2.5inches Lip Height 12.7 0.5 inch Extended Fan Surface Diameter DiameterWeight (cm)/ (cm)/ Ratio of Test Initial Max Duct (Extended ofLevitating Lift-Off Lift-Off Test Area A1 Area A2) Areas PlatformVoltage Height No. (sq. cm.) (sq. cm.) A2/A1 (gms) (V) (mm) Observations1 6.4 36.8 185 4.2 6 Very stable 32 1034 32.64 in pitch, roll andelevation 2 6.4 15.2 135 4.2 6 Very stable 32 151 4.76 in pitch, rolland elevation 3 6.4 10.2 126 8.7 10 Very stable 32 49 1.56 in pitch,roll and elevation 4 6.4 7.0 125 Operation unstable 32 7 0.21 5 6.4 6.4135 Operation unstable 32 0 0 6 6.4 15.2 135 4.2 6 Very stable 32 1514.76 in pitch, roll and elevation 7 6.4 15.2 135 4.2 6 Very stable 32151 4.76 in pitch, roll and elevation 8 6.4 36.8 185 Stable 32 103432.64 in pitch, roll and elevation 9 6.4 36.8 185 4.2 13 Very stable 321034 32.64 in pitch, roll and elevation 10 6.4 26.7 185 19 Very stable32 527 16.64 in pitch, roll and elevationNotes:Test 4: Model not stable enough to test because of small extendedsurface.Test 5: Lip placed at inside diameter of 6 inch diameter extendedsurface. Model not stable.Test 8: Fan separated from disc. Fan air directed through flow openingin disc.Test 9: Model supported upside down on downwards facing support surface.Attractive forces generated by model balanced the gravitational forceand prevented it from falling down.Test 10: Model operated in attractor mode to lift 10.5 inch foam discweighing 42.5 grams at a gap of about 8 mm.

EXHIBIT 1C RED SERIES TESTS Number of Fans: 2(Counter-Rotating) FanDiameter: 36.195 cm 14.25 inches Lip Height: 12.7  0.5 inch Extended FanSurface Diameter Diameter Weight (cm)/ (cm)/ of Test Initial Max Duct(Extended Ratio of Levitating Lift-Off Lift-Off Test Area A1 Area A2)Areas Platform Voltage Height No. (sq. cm.) (sq. cm.) A2/A1 (gms) (V)(mm) Observations 1 36.2 43.8 703 4.8 32 Very stable 1029 479 0.465374in pitch, roll and elevation 2 36.2 41.3 694 5.2 38 Very stable 1029 3090.3004 in pitch, roll and elevation 3 36.2 41.3 687 5.5 38 Very stable1029 309 0.3004 in pitch, roll and elevation 4 36.2 40.0 685 5.6 38Stable 1029 228 0.221607 in pitch, roll and elevation 5 36.2 38.7 6675.7 41 Stable 1029 149 0.145275 in pitch, roll and elevation 6 36.2 37.5662 5.9 Unstable 1029 73 0.071407 7 36.2 36.2 657 6.3 Unstable 1029 0 08 36.2 41.3 691 5.3 Stable 1029 309 0.3004 in pitch, roll and elevation9 36.2 41.3 696 5.24 Unstable 1029 309 0.3004 10  36.2 43.8 713 51 1029479 0.465374Notes:Test 8: Model fitted with 1 inch lip.Test 9: Model fitted with 1.5 inch lip.Test 10: Model fitted with 1 inch lip.

1) A levitating platform comprising, a flow means for generating a fluidflow, the fluid flow directed towards an opposing surface; and platformstructure for arranging the flow means, the platform structure having anextended flow surface generally surrounding the flow means, the platformstructure further having a protuberance boundary around the extendedflow surface, the extended surface, the protuberance boundary and theopposing surface cooperating to form a generally closed fluid plenum,wherein, the flow of the fluid flow past the extended surface and theprotuberance boundary creates positive and negative pressure within thefluid plenum such that the positive pressure generates a repellingaction between the platform structure and the opposing surface and thenegative pressure generates an attractive action between the platformstructure and the opposing surface. 2) The levitating platform of claim1, wherein the platform has a geometric plan-form. 3) The levitatingplatform of claim 1, wherein the platform has a non-geometric plan-form.4) The levitating platform of claim 1, wherein the flow means comprisesa fluid flow port. 5) The levitating platform of claim 4, wherein theflow means comprises a fluid flow conduit connected at its first end tothe fluid flow port and at its second end to a source of fluid. 6) Thelevitating platform of claim 5, wherein the source of fluid comprises afluid-pump. 7) The levitating platform of claim 5, wherein thefluid-pump comprises an air-fan. 8) The levitating platform of claim 7,wherein the air-fan comprises propeller blades. 9) The levitatingplatform of claim 7, wherein the air-fan comprises a blower impeller.10) The levitating platform of claim 7, wherein the air fan comprises aducted air fan. 11) The levitating platform of claim 4, wherein theratio of the area of the extended surface to the area of the fluid flowport is greater than 0.01 and less than
 1000. 12) The levitatingplatform of claim 1, wherein the protuberance comprises a rigid materialof construction. 13) The levitating platform of claim 1, wherein theprotuberance comprises a semi-rigid material of construction. 14) Thelevitating platform of claim 1, wherein the protuberance comprises alip. 15) The levitating platform of claim 1, wherein the protuberancecomprises a lift enhancing element. 16) The levitating platform of claim15, wherein the lift enhancing element comprises an airfoil element. 17)The levitating platform of claim 1, wherein the protuberance comprises aribbon. 18) The levitating platform of claim 1, wherein the protuberancecomprises a skirt. 19) The levitating platform of claim 1, wherein theopposing surface is fixed and the platform structure is free to moverelative to the opposing surface. 20) The levitating platform of claim1, wherein the platform structure is fixed and the opposing surface isfree to move relative to the platform. 21) The levitating platform ofclaim 20, wherein the flow means comprises a fluid flow port and a fluidflow conduit connected at its first end to the fluid flow port and atits second end to a source of fluid. 22) A method for creatingattracting and repelling forces in a levitating platform, the levitatingplatform comprising a flow means for generating a fluid flow, thelevitating platform further comprising a platform structure forarranging the flow means, the platform structure having an extended flowsurface generally surrounding the flow means, the platform structurefurther having an protuberance boundary around the extended flowsurface, the method comprising the steps of: placing the platformstructure adjacent to an opposing surface such that the extendedsurface, the protuberance boundary and the opposing surface cooperate toform a generally closed fluid plenum; and directing the fluid flow intothe closed fluid plenum such the fluid travels past the extended surfacearea and the protuberance boundary to create positive and negativepressure within the fluid plenum, the positive pressure generating arepelling action between the platform structure and the opposing surfaceand the negative pressure generating an attracting action between theplatform structure and the opposing surface. 23) The method of claim 22,wherein the opposing surface is fixed and the platform structure is freeto move relative to the opposing surface. 24) The method of claim 22,wherein the platform structure is fixed and the opposing surface is freeto move relative to the opposing surface. 25) The method of claim 22,wherein the platform has a geometric plan-form. 26) The method of claim22, wherein the platform has a non-geometric plan-form. 27) The methodof claim 22, wherein the flow means comprises a fluid flow port. 28) Themethod of claim 27, wherein the flow means comprises a fluid flowconduit connected at its first end to the fluid flow port and at itssecond end to a source of fluid. 29) The method of claim 28, wherein thesource of fluid comprises a fluid-pump. 30) The method of claim 29,wherein the fluid-pump comprises an air-fan. 31) The method of claim 30,wherein the air-fan comprises propeller blades. 32) The method of claim30, wherein the air-fan comprises a blower impeller. 33) The method ofclaim 30, wherein the air fan comprises a ducted air fan. 34) The methodof claim 27, wherein the ratio of the area of the extended surface tothe area of the fluid flow port is greater than 0.01 and less than 1000.35) The method of claim 22, wherein the protuberance comprises a rigidmaterial of construction. 36) The method of claim 22, wherein theprotuberance comprises a semi-rigid material of construction. 37) Themethod of claim 22, wherein the protuberance comprises a lip. 38) Themethod of claim 22, wherein the protuberance comprises a lift enhancingelement. 39) The method of claim 22, wherein the lift enhancing elementcomprises an airfoil element. 40) The method of claim 22, wherein theprotuberance comprises a ribbon. 41) The method of claim 22, wherein theprotuberance comprises a skirt.